A Wheeler's Opinion: The Standhardinger Saga: Who will Benefit?

Reminder: He will not play in the PBA until the ABL season is finished

With Standhardinger's possible disqualification, who will be the top pick? (Photo by the PBA Media Bureau)

He didn't show up yesterday at the Draft Combine 2017 because he was practicing with his Hong Kong team who are preparing for the upcoming new season of the Asian Basketball League which kicks off this November. 

He is expected to miss a big chunk of the next PBA season assuming he gets drafted at this Sunday's PBA Draft. And yes, Christain Standhardinger has indicated that he will attend the draft rites at Robinson's Place Manila. 

Oh and by the way, remember the trade deal which would have sent Kia's rights to pick Standhardinger as the top pick to the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for 3 bench warmers, future draft picks and tons of cash? That deal has been forwarded to the commissioner's office and as of this very moment, the deal is in on hold.

To begin with, Christian Standhardinger, the Filipino-German Gilas Pilipinas standout, should have not beaten the deadline and decided to join this year's draft knowing that he won't be able to join the team that he would be joining because of his commitment to the ABL team in Hong Kong. 

Oh, don't get this basketball pundit on wheels wrong, folks. He has been rooting for Standhardinger ever since he came aboard with the national team especially during the South East Asian Games where Gilas reigned supreme anew. However, this pundit finds it difficult to accept a player whose priority is elsewhere and yet, fans are treating him as if he was LeBron James during his pre-draft moments in the NBA. Standhardinger is talented. His numbers don't lie either. 

But missing the Draft Combine? An opportunity where he can furthermore showcase his talents alongside his fellow draftees?  That's clearly unacceptable.

Now, there are two scenarios which can happen here:

Standhardinger will be Drafted and Traded

Let's assume that PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa decides not to disqualify Standhardinger from the draft, approves the deal between Kia and the Beermen, there's one clear beneficiary here: it's none other than the defending Philippine Cup champions, the Beermen themselves. 

Why?

Sure, they will have to wait until Standhardinger's stint in the ABL is done but it will all worth the wait aside from the fact that San Miguel will lose three bench warmers, the Beermen will gain another potential superstar to provide reinforcement to the already mighty starting unit that includes 4 of the 5 members of this year's Mythical First Team including the 4-time MVP, June Mar Fajardo. 

Or, Standhardinger will be Disqualified

If Chito Narvasa does disqualify Standhardinger and does not veto the trade deal, the Beermen still emerge as the winner here. 

Why?

Simple. Kiefer Ravena is on the list. So is Jeron Teng. This year's list draftees is filled with young bloods that have the talents to make it to the pro league. 

Conclusion

The fate of Christian Standhardinger, as well as the of the Kia Picanto, will depend on whether or not the former will be allowed to participate in this Sunday's draft. In short, the ball is now on the commissioner's hand.